Cryptosporidiosis is the disease caused by Cryptosporidium, a genus of microscopic gastrointestinal parasites that cause diarrhoea in many species, including humans. The specific species Cryptosporidium parvum is a significant cause of neonatal calf diarrhoea (scours).

Calves with cryptosporidiosis suffer from mild to severe diarrhoea, typically lasting several days. In some cases, they may also exhibit mild fever, dehydration, apathy, anorexia, and weight loss (short and long-term). While crypto is typically not fatal, management strategy can have a large impact on fatality rates.

Cryptosporidium is transmitted via the faecal-oral route, meaning that infection is caused when Cryptosporidium oocysts are ingested orally, and are spread through an infected animal’s faeces. Because of this, transmission can occur directly (from another infected calf, animal, or human), or indirectly (through faecal contamination in the immediate environment, water, feed, or fomites). This infection results in diarrhoea because the lifecycle of the parasite causes damage or disruption to the digestive system of the calf.

Cryptosporidiosis is primarily managed with supportive care (e.g., electrolyte therapy, fluids), but options like antibiotics, feed additives, or Halocur® can help. However, it is preferred to prevent the disease altogether through hygienic measures and vaccination with Bovilis Cryptium, and to reserve these treatments as a second-line defense.

Cryptosporidiosis can be avoided by implementing proper hygiene practices on the farm as well as using a robust vaccination schedule, including the use of Bovilis Cryptium, the first and only vaccine designed to protect newborn calves against cryptosporidiosis from day one.

No, Bovilis Cryptium is a vaccine. Antibiotics can be harmful to the gut microbiome, and their overuse can contribute to the rise of antibiotic resistance, so it is preferable to begin with preventative measures when managing diseases.

Bovilis Cryptium works by increasing the specific antibodies in the colostrum of the dam, which are then passed onto the calf when it consumes her colostrum. This provides the calf with protection against the parasite in the form of passive local immunity. Protection of calves depends on adequate ingestion of colostrum and transition milk from vaccinated mother cows. It is recommended that all calves are fed colostrum and transition milk during the first 5 days of life.

Talk to your vet to discuss implementing Bovilis Cryptium on your farm! Bovilis Cryptium is a convenient health solution that can be administered at the same time as Rotavec® Corona to provide comprehensive protection against the four most common neonatal calf diarrhoea pathogens: Cryptosporidium parvum, coronavirus, rotavirus, and E. coli.